Disappeared News

Monday, February 07, 2011

I really have stuff to finish this afternoon, so I’ll reprint the ACLU email that just came in on the civil unions bills.

CIVIL UNIONS BILLS NEED YOUR SUPPORT TODAY!

On Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 2:15 p.m., the Hawaii State House of Representatives Judiciary Committee will hear House Bill 1453 and Senate Bill 232, SD1, both of which will extend the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union. Please contact the Judiciary Committee today to show your support for the civil unions bills, defend the civil rights of same-sex couples, and ensure the unity, security, dignity and stability of all Hawaii's families.

Hawaii law currently provides same-sex couples only the option of entering into an inadequate “reciprocal beneficiary” (“RB”) relationship. RBs don’t provide comprehensive protection for same-sex couples and their families, particularly in areas like parenting, financial stability and relationship dissolution. These protections are not necessary or appropriate for many couples in RB relationships (such as siblings). Opposite-sex married couples have access to hundreds of protections, benefits, and responsibilities under Hawaii law, but RBs only have access to 60. Enacting civil unions legislation will provide a safety net for same-sex couples and their families and will ultimately strengthen our families and communities.

Support H.B. 1453 and S.B. 232, the civil unions bills, and:

1) Submit testimonyBy Email: Email testimony that is less than 5 pages in length to the Committee at JUDtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov;By Web: Submit testimony online if it is less than 4MB in size, at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony;In Person: Deliver 3 copies of your testimony to Room 302, State Capitol;By Fax: Fax testimony that is less than 5 pages in length to 586-6211 111 or 1-800-535-3859

Be sure to include the following details in your testimony:Your position: SupportBill number: H.B. 1453 and S.B. 232Committee: House Judiciary CommitteeDate: Tuesday, February 8, 2011Time: 2:15 p.m.Room number: Auditorium